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Governor Kaine Announces Appointments to Natural Resources Secretariat, Commerce and Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Agencies

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced appointments to agencies within the Natural Resources, Commerce and Trade, and Agriculture and Forestry secretariats.

Melissa Neff of Richmond will serve as Assistant Secretary for Administration in the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources. Prior to her appointment she served as Program Director for the Virginia League of Conservation Voters.

William C. “Bill” Shelton of Charlottesville will continue to serve as Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), a position he has held since 1998. Prior to his appointment, Shelton served in the DHCD as Deputy Director for Community Development from 1995-1998 and as Director of the Center on Rural Development from 1991-1995. Shelton has 27 years of experience in Virginia state government.

Dolores “Dee” Esser of Richmond will continue to serve as Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), a position she has held since 2002. Prior to that, Esser served in the VEC as Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations for six years and Director of Economic Information Services for eight years. Esser has 29 years of experience in state government.

Alisa L. Bailey, originally of Charleston, WV, will continue to serve as President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, a position she has held since 2003. Prior to her appointment, Bailey served as the West Virginia Bureau of Commerce Chief/West Virginia Tourism Commissioner.

Carlton "Ray" Davenport of Virginia Beach will continue to serve as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, a position he has held since 2002. Prior to his appointment, Davenport served as Business Manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 147, from 1998 to 2002. Davenport also served as President of The Virginia State Building & Construction Trades Council for eight years.

Dr. Sheryl D. Bailey of Norfolk will serve as Executive Director of the Virginia Resources Authority. Bailey, who previously served as Deputy Secretary of Administration, has over 15 years experience in municipal finance, debt and capital management, and economic development, including several years directing financial policy for the cities of Hampton and Norfolk.

Carl E. Garrison, III, of Charlottesville will continue to serve as State Forester, a position he has held since November 2004. Prior to his appointment, Garrison served as the Regional Forester in Charlottesville. He is a Registered Forester and Certified Forester with a 26 year career in state and private forestry.

Rodney L. Phillips of Dabneys will continue to serve as Administrator of the Milk Commission, a position he has held since 1992. Phillips has 33 years of experience in the dairy industry.

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